West Virginia University Children's Hospital is one of our newest recipients of a hematology/oncology unit surprise box!

Their hospital was selected in honor of Matthew Rose, who was not only a gown receipient and patient at their facility, but the cousin of our former Treasurer.

Matthew "Super Matt" passed away in 2014 after a six year battle on and off again battle with cancer. He had been diagnosed with a Wilms Tumor in 2008 on his right kidney. His cancer relapsed three times. He was treated both at a hospital more local to our location, but also West Virginia University Children's Hospital.

This is Matthew, when he passed away he not only left behind his parents, but his brother Troy as well. We made Troy a Freckles that matched Matthew's gown before he passed away.

Below shows the items that were included inside the surprise box that we sent to WVU Children's Hospital.

Beads of Courage Bead Bags

Chemotherapy Bag Covers

Fabric Headbands

Reusable Face Masks

Band-Aids

Stickers

The first four items were all made from remnant fabric from gown requests and the last two are items that have been donated throughout the year just for this specific collection we do all the time.

It isn't much in comparison to what these children and teens go through, but we hope they find comfort in the little things...because not only are complete strangers thinking about them, but they're in their corner cheering them on!

We're also working on getting together our Tween & Teen Program that has been officially announced on our Facebook Page, and will be live on our website here shortly as well. This program has two sides that is recognizes the unmet needs of children in the hospital that are over the age of 10 years old, but it is also in honor and memory of another local cancer warrior her that passed away in 2012.

There will be more to come soon on that - and definitely new opportunities to help support Gracie's Gowns through this program between sewing opportunities, collection drives, and even packaging days.​